About Final Design - Project 3 Art Gallery

The project of an art gallery in Newtown is an interesting project to undertake which challenged the mind to achieve a solution which would entice and excite the public, the beholder and the occupant. My final design strives to achieved these objects through a variety of ways and the meanings behind these action delve into the physiological state of the beholder to further develop their experience in both the art and the building.

• The variations in the amount of light in the spaces of the gallery is a tool which is used to draw the occupants from one area to the next. A progression in densities of light is used.
• The architecture works with the occupant, the artworks and the environment so as to provide a link and connection between all entities so that they are all able to connect to the building.
• Instead of using elements such as walls and windows to define space, this design uses the source of light and its powerful effect in changing strength to define space. It creates the idea that a space can change shape and depth constantly throughout a day and then return to another arrangement the next. Expansion and contraction.
• Through the action of altering the size of spaces and having changing light levels the person/s viewing the works are able to gain a changing view of the work. Their impression can change.
• The idea of having a building design try to emulate the emotions of the artwork is unusual however through the use of light shafts the building is able to do just this. This meaning that just like how the artworks change appearance and persona depending on the light available so does the building. It shifts and varies with the light of the day. The interior spaces become artworks themselves in which the people occupying the space set the scene which is taking place and alter the mood.
• To keep with the concept of light forming spaces and the reduction of restricting elements such as walls the light shafts made out of mesh and glass act as the walls. This is interesting as they allow the viewer to see through them so it asks the question 'Has the space actually been stopped or is this an artwork?'
• The light shafts also form another purpose in the design. They are used to entice and form excitement to the person/s in the space. This is strongly seen in the meeting room. In this space the continuation of light shafts on the wall and up onto the roof (as seen in the vignettes), the person within that space develops the understanding that this space is the central source from which the life of the gallery begins. the occupant (buyer) is seen to be pushing the life of the light shafts through the gallery through his contribution. The place where artworks begin.
• The design of the layout of the shafts is developed in two ways. Firstly a psychological way. The viewer sees the light shafts as they enter the gallery as a structural element which feeds light into the gallery in varying intensities, however as they continue through into the courtyard towards the back of the building the occupant becomes engulfed in the materiality of the courtyard as a growing object. This further develops the mind as as they enter the adventure of going upstairs they start walking through the light shaft. They start off seeing it, then they develop into a growing connection, then they live it. Secondly they provide a logical sequence to guide people through the building.
• The mirrored roof allows for people to experience the larger artworks on a closer arrangement. Through the notion of having a geometrical arrangement of mirrors in a domed ceiling specific areas of an artwork are able to be shown to a viewer.
• The building also allows people to get a unique experience even if they aren't in there. This is achieved through at night the works would glow so the people outside would see the building literally radiating with the emotional power of the artworks themselves. This transforming the building into 'A work of art'.